About

About Tina WellsI’m often asked to tell the story of how I got to where I am today. Let me be clear: I never intended to start a business. I always thought I’d end up as an editor at a fashion magazine or a lawyer. That was the dream. The last twenty years has been an amazing ride, and I am so grateful for all that I’ve accomplished. But my journey and how I did it is really something I believe anyone can do. I took my passion and turned it into my purpose. This website is dedicated to showing you the things I do today to stay happy and healthy, while giving you insight into the key learning that has led to my business success.

But first, a little timeline of my career:

1995: I started writing for the New Girl Times, a newspaper for girls. I’d write product reviews and send those reviews to the companies I wrote about. They’d always ask, “If I send you more stuff, will you tell me what you think?” This was the light bulb moment!

1996: I launched The Buzz, a company focused on trends. I ended up working with forty + brands, including Dermalogica, Philosophy, and Candie’s. I hosted my first fashion show and received my first payment ever from Neil Cole (founder of Bongo/Candie’s and now Iconix Group).

1998: I changed the name of my company to Buzz Marketing Group and started working on a business plan with my professor, Dr. Anita Jose. I formally started charging clients for services.

2000: While studying away in Chicago (and running my business), I received word that we’d be featured in CosmoGIRL! magazine! This was our first big piece of press and garnered fifteen thousand applications from people all over the world who wanted to be buzzSpotters®. We established a network of nine thousand trendspotters.

2002: I graduated from college and decided to forego law school and pursue my company. I launched “Tina’s Top 10”, a newsletter detailing my trendspotting finds. It eventually turned into the buzzReport, a monthly newsletter sent to over 2,500 companies. Yes, I was a blogger before it was even a thing. J

2004: I opened up my office in New York City and ended up on Essence magazine’s 40 Under 40 list.

2005: I was featured in a cover story on female entrepreneurs in O magazine and also generated seven figures for my business. This is a career highlight for me.

2007: I was selected as a Cosmo magazine Fun, Fearless Phenom and also sold my first book series, Mackenzie Blue, to HarperCollins Children’s Books in a groundbreaking deal.

2009: I was selected for Inc’s 30 Under 30 list and Billboard’s 30 Under 30Mackenzie Blue debuted to critical acclaim.

2010: I was selected as one of Inc’s “Entrepreneurs We Love” in a cover feature.

2011: Wiley published my business book, Chasing Youth Culture and Getting It Right. Our buzzSpotter® network grew to 30,000 members and we introduced our momSpotter™ network of 7,000 moms. I’ve officially written five books in three years! Wow!

2012: Sweet Sixteen! This year marked my sixteenth year in business and one hundredth client served.

2013: I was selected to be a member of the United Nations Foundation’s Global Entrepreneur’s Council. I was also selected as one of “Fast Company’s Most Creative People In Business” and judged Glamour magazine’s GlamStarter Awards.

2014:Mackenzie Blue surpassed more than two hundred thousand copies sold worldwide.

2015 + beyond: Many more adventures to come!

So as you can see, it’s been quite a journey. For me, it started with my passion for pop culture and turned into my purpose: to be a creative person who focuses on media, marketing, and humanitarian endeavors. Where can your passion take you? Together, I hope we can find out. 🙂

About Ryan WalshRyan Walsh picked up his camera lens nearly ten years ago and began capturing the stories of those around him. From corporate work to non-profit, weddings, events, fine portraiture, and everything in between, Ryan Walsh’s photography experience and unique style know no bounds. See more of his work at www.ryanfwalsh.co.